The LBS Centre officially released the Kerala SET July 2026 notification on 17 April 2026. Interested candidates can submit their applications until 3 June 2026. Review the comprehensive eligibility criteria, exam pattern, qualifying standards, fee structure, and the step-by-step application process for HSST and VHSE teacher vacancies in Kerala.
Kerala SET Notification 2026
The Kerala State Eligibility Test (SET) July 2026 notification has been published by the LBS Centre for Science and Technology. This examination is a mandatory requirement for candidates aspiring to secure Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSST) and Non-Vocational Teacher positions in VHSE. As per current state guidelines, qualifying for the Kerala SET is essential for teacher recruitment. Candidates should visit the official portal at www.lbscentre.kerala.gov.in to download the notification and initiate their online application.
Kerala SET 2026: Key Highlights
Prospective applicants are advised to review the essential exam highlights before proceeding. Understanding the test structure and specific eligibility requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful application experience.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Kerala SET July 2026 |
| Conducting Body | LBS Centre for Science and Technology |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Number of Papers | 2 (Paper I and Paper II) |
| Total Subjects | 31 subjects |
| Official Website | lbscentre.kerala.gov.in |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (January and July) |
| Exam Date | 02 August 2026 (Postponed) |
| Prospectus | Download PDF |
Kerala SET Important Dates 2026
Stay informed about the crucial milestones for the Kerala SET July 2026 examination cycle:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 17 April 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 June 2026 (midnight) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 5 June 2026 (midnight) |
| Application Correction Window | 4 June – 6 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Date | To be announced |
| Exam Date | 02 August 2026 (Postponed) |
Kerala SET Eligibility Criteria 2026
It is mandatory for all applicants to satisfy the defined Kerala SET eligibility criteria. Below is the detailed breakdown of the requirements:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Qualification | Master’s Degree in relevant subject with minimum 50% marks or equivalent grade + B.Ed from a recognized Kerala university |
| For Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology | MSc.Ed with minimum 50% marks from NCERT-sponsored Regional Institutes of Education |
| For Botany & Zoology | MSc.Ed in Life Science (min 50%) from Regional Institutes of Education also accepted |
| B.Ed Not Required For | Anthropology, Commerce, Gandhian Studies, Geology, Home Science, Journalism, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Statistics |
| For English Subject | Second Class Master’s in Communicative English with min 50% + B.Ed |
| For Arabic, Urdu, Hindi | DLEd/LTTC holders without B.Ed are eligible, subject to relevant Government Orders |
| For Biotechnology | Master’s in Biotechnology with min 50% + B.Ed in Natural Science |
| Hindi B.Ed (Dakshin Bharatha Hindi Prachar Sabha) | Exempted from submitting equivalency certificate |
| Correspondence/Open University | Eligible only if the course is recognized by any Kerala university; must submit recognition and equivalency certificate |
| Final Year PG/B.Ed Students | Eligible to apply; must pass qualifying exam with required marks within one year of SET result |
| SC/ST/Differently Abled | 5% relaxation in minimum marks required for eligibility; second class in PG not mandatory |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
Kerala SET Apply Link 2026
The official online application portal for the Kerala SET July 2026 is now active at lbsedp.lbscentre.in/setjul26/. Ensure you have a valid, active mobile number for the OTP verification process. Use the direct link provided below to begin your registration:
Steps to Apply for Kerala SET 2026
To ensure your application is submitted without errors, please follow these standardized steps carefully:
- Visit the official website: lbscentre.kerala.gov.in
- Go to “Online Services” and select “SET and Other Exams”
- Click on “SET JULY 2026”
- Register with a valid mobile number and verify via OTP
- Fill in all personal and academic details and submit to get a Registration ID
- Upload your photograph (200×150 pixels, max 30 KB, JPG format)
- Pay the application fee using Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
- Download and save the printout of the filled application for future reference
Kerala SET Application Fee 2026
The application fee must be paid exclusively through online payment channels. Please note that all fees are strictly non-refundable once the transaction is completed. View the detailed fee structure below:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1300 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled | ₹750 |
Kerala SET Exam Pattern 2026
The Kerala SET examination consists of two papers, each with a duration of 2 hours, conducted in an offline, OMR-based format.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (General) | 120 | 120 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II (Most Subjects) | 120 | 120 (1 mark each) | 2 Hours |
| Paper II (Maths & Statistics) | 80 | 120 (1.5 marks each) | 2 Hours |
Kerala SET Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is aligned with PG-level curriculum standards across universities in Kerala. Paper I is mandatory for all applicants, while Paper II focuses on the candidate's chosen subject. Detailed subject-wise syllabus guides can be found on the LBS Centre website. Find an overview below:
Paper I – General Paper (Mandatory for All Candidates)
| Part | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Part A – General Knowledge | Current affairs, history, geography, science, economy, polity, environment |
| Part B – Teaching Aptitude | Teaching methods, classroom management, learning theories, educational psychology, communication skills |
Paper II – Subject-Specific Paper (Candidate Preference)
| Subject Code | Subject | Key Syllabus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Anthropology | Social and cultural anthropology, human evolution, tribal studies |
| 02 | Arabic | Arabic language, literature, grammar, Islamic texts |
| 03 | Botany | Plant biology, ecology, genetics, plant physiology |
| 04 | Chemistry | Organic, inorganic, physical chemistry, spectroscopy |
| 05 | Commerce | Accounting, business law, finance, management |
| 06 | Economics | Micro and macro economics, Indian economy, statistics |
| 07 | English | Literature, linguistics, literary criticism, communication |
| 08 | French | French language, literature, grammar |
| 09 | Gandhian Studies | Gandhian philosophy, non-violence, social movements |
| 10 | Geography | Physical, human, economic geography, cartography |
| 11 | Geology | Mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, palaeontology |
| 12 | German | German language, literature, grammar |
| 13 | Hindi | Hindi literature, grammar, linguistics |
| 14 | History | Ancient, medieval, modern Indian and world history |
| 15 | Home Science | Nutrition, child development, family resource management |
| 16 | Islamic History | History of Islam, Islamic civilization, Kerala Muslim history |
| 17 | Journalism | Media studies, print and digital journalism, communication theory |
| 18 | Kannada | Kannada language, literature, grammar |
| 19 | Latin | Latin language, classical literature |
| 20 | Malayalam | Malayalam literature, linguistics, grammar |
| 21 | Mathematics | Algebra, calculus, analysis, geometry, number theory |
| 22 | Music | Indian classical music, musicology, Kerala folk music |
| 23 | Philosophy | Indian and Western philosophy, logic, ethics |
| 24 | Physics | Classical mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism |
| 25 | Political Science | Political theory, Indian constitution, international relations |
| 26 | Psychology | Cognitive, developmental, social psychology, research methods |
| 27 | Russian | Russian language, literature, grammar |
| 28 | Sanskrit | Sanskrit literature, grammar, Vedic studies |
| 29 | Social Work | Social welfare, community development, counselling |
| 30 | Sociology | Social theory, Indian society, research methodology |
| 31 | Statistics | Probability, statistical inference, regression, sampling |
| 32 | Syriac | Syriac language and Christian literature |
| 33 | Tamil | Tamil language, literature, grammar |
| 34 | Urdu | Urdu literature, grammar, linguistics |
| 35 | Zoology | Animal biology, ecology, genetics, cell biology |
| 37 | Biotechnology | Molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics |
Kerala SET Qualifying Marks 2026
To qualify, candidates must achieve the minimum required percentage in each paper, as well as reach the overall aggregate score defined by the Kerala SET guidelines:
| Category | Paper I | Paper II | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 40% | 40% | 48% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 35% | 35% | 45% |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled | 35% | 35% | 40% |
Kerala SET July 2026
The LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, manages the Kerala SET on behalf of the Government of Kerala.
There is no upper age limit restriction for individuals wishing to appear for the Kerala SET exam.
The deadline for online application submission is 3 June 2026 (midnight), while the window for final fee payments closes on 5 June 2026.
Yes, students currently in their final year of PG or B.Ed programs are eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree with the required marks within one year of the Kerala SET results declaration.
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the Kerala SET. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.